In the history of modern mathematics, Chen Jingrun's name is closely related to Goldbach's conjecture. Chen Theorem is regarded as a brilliant achievement, which has greatly promoted the proof of Goldbach's conjecture and made China a world leader in this field.
From 65438 to 0953, Chen Jingrun graduated from the Mathematics Department of Xiamen University. Because of his excellent research on a series of problems in number theory, Professor Hua attached great importance to it and was transferred to the Institute of Mathematics of China Academy of Sciences. Later, there was a story of "Luo Yi Liang Yan". Although living conditions were very difficult at that time, Chen Jingrun insisted on studying Goldbach's conjecture in a small room of only 6 square meters. After countless days and nights and years of hard work, he finally made an achievement that shocked the world. However, Chen Jingrun's efforts are also amazing. Used calculus draft paper can be packed in several sacks, which is a constant illness. Even so, lying on his deathbed, he worked tirelessly. Chen Jingrun also made important contributions to the study of other famous problems in number theory, such as the lattice point of Gauss circle, the lattice point of ball, Tali problem and Waring problem. Chen Jingrun is an internationally renowned mathematician who is deeply respected by people. However, instead of being complacent, he attributed all the credit to the motherland and the people. In order to safeguard the interests of the motherland, he did not hesitate to sacrifice his personal fame and fortune.
1977 One day, Chen Jingrun received a letter from the president of the International Federation of Mathematicians, inviting him to attend the International Congress of Mathematicians. There are 3000 people present at this meeting, all of whom are world-famous mathematicians. Chen Jingrun is one of 10 mathematicians designated by the congress to give academic reports. This is a great honor for a mathematician and is of great benefit to enhancing Chen Jingrun's international reputation.
Chen Jingrun didn't make a good claim, but immediately reported to the party branch of the institute and asked the party for instructions. The Party branch reported this situation to the Academy of Sciences. The Party organization of the Academy of Sciences was cautious about this issue, because China's seat in the International Federation of Mathematicians had been occupied by Taiwan Province Province.
The leader of the hospital replied: "You are a mathematician, and the party organization respects your personal opinion. You can write back to him yourself. "
After careful consideration, Chen Jingrun finally decided to give up this rare opportunity. In his reply to the president of the International Federation of Mathematicians, he wrote: "First, China has always attached importance to developing academic exchanges and friendly relations with countries around the world. I personally thank the President of the International Federation of Mathematicians for his invitation. Second, there is only one China in the world, the only one that can represent the interests of the broad masses of people in China is People's Republic of China (PRC), and Taiwan Province Province is an inalienable part of People's Republic of China (PRC). I can't attend because Taiwan Province Province currently occupies the seat of the International Federation of Mathematicians in China. Third, if China has only one representative, I can consider attending this meeting. " In order to safeguard the dignity of the motherland, Chen Jingrun sacrificed his personal interests.
From 65438 to 0979, Chen Jingrun went to the United States for a short-term research visit at the invitation of Princeton Institute for Advanced Studies. The conditions at Princeton College are very good. In order to make full use of such good conditions, Chen Jingrun squeezed out all the time he could save, worked hard and didn't even go back to his place to eat lunch. Sometimes he goes out for a meeting and the hotel is noisy, so he hides in the bathroom to continue his research work. Because of his efforts, during his short five months in the United States, he not only attended meetings and lectures, but also finished the paper "The Minimum Prime Number in arithmetic progression", which pushed the minimum prime number from 80 to 16 at once. This research result was also the most advanced in the world at that time.
In a relatively developed country like the United States, Chen Jingrun still maintains a frugal style at home. He can get 2000 yuan from the institute a month, which can be said to be quite rich. Every noon, he never goes to the institute canteen for dinner. It's exquisite, and he can enjoy it completely, but he always eats the dry food and fruit he brings. He was so frugal that he lived in the United States for five months. Excluding rent, utilities and $65,438+0,800, he only spent $700 on meals. When he came home, * * * saved 7500 dollars.
The money was not a small sum at that time. He could have bought some high-end home appliances from abroad like others. But he gave all his money to the country. What does he think? In his own words: "Our country is not rich yet, so I can't just think about pleasure."
Chen Jingrun is such a very modest and upright person. Although he has made a name for himself, he is not complacent. He said: "I just climbed a hill on the road of science and haven't climbed the real peak yet." I have to keep working hard. "